With the publication of their new Guide to Design for Good Recycling in Glass, the BDE (Federal Association of German Waste Management, Water and Recycling Industries) and the bvse (Federal Association of Secondary Raw Materials and Waste Management) provide practical recommendations to maximise the recyclability of glass packaging. The aim is clear: strengthen circularity, improve the quality of glass recyclate and align with European initiatives such as the Green Deal and upcoming sustainability classifications for packaging licensing. While published for the German market, the guidance is highly relevant for glass recycling in general. Filmic Labels in the Green Zone A major outcome is that filmic labels are listed in the “green” category alongside paper labels – provided that easily releasable adhesives are used. This is excellent news for brand owners, as it means filmic PSL solutions can be applied without restrictions if the right adhesive is chosen. We are pr

The packaging supply chain is sending mixed signals this month – not quite cause for alarm, but enough yellow lights to keep procurement teams on their toes. Let’s start with the good news: fuel costs edged down from July's $3.779 to $3.744 per gallon in August. But before we celebrate, some context is needed. At $3.74+, we're still hovering near the year’s second-highest diesel levels. Think of it as taking your foot slightly off the accelerator while still speeding – technically slowing down, but hardly cruising speed. Fuel remains a critical watch point as we head into Q4 planning cycles. Transportation continues to be our bright spot. For the second straight month, we're seeing no peak season surcharges – a welcome relief that’s providing both cost predictability and operational flexibility at a time when the industry needs both. Port operations remain stable with no meaningful congestion on key inbound lanes. The anticipated summer i

It’s very tempting to lower prices to stay competitive in a down market like ours, believing that’s what’s required to be competitive. But this should never be an intuitive, emotional decision. The data will tell you whether you should get more aggressive with your pricing, stand pat, or even raise your prices.  The price-sensitive nature of the wine & spirits industry The wine and spirits industry is very competitive—extremely competitive if we’re honest—due to the overwhelming number of SKUs on the market (experts estimate that there are more than 175,000 wine brands for sale in the US).  There are so many similar products at similar price points that this abundance of choice causes price sensitivity in buyers (both trade and consumers alike).  However, not all consumers base their decisions on price. Need proof? Sales of wines selling for $50+ are up 1%. That’s nearly a 14-point swing from the overall market. Domestic win

Afternoon Brief: Seaport Strike Could Spike NYC Wine Prices, Leave Produce Rotting Offshore, Experts Warn

A looming longshoremen's strike at seaports across the East Coast is slated to hammer New York City's supply chains -- and experts said the labor action could lead to a spike in wine prices, in addition to hundreds of tons of fruit going bad on ships stuck outside the harbor with no place to dock...

Afternoon Brief, April 11th

The Sun Also Rises: Solectrac Shifts Business Model to Remain Relevant: Interim CEO Robin Mackie addresses rumors of the company’s demise...

Big Hammer Wines Credits Excellent Customer Service and Referrals for Momentous Growth

The 200% Increase in Business is Being Led by Word-of-Mouth Referrals and Five-star Testimonials from Customers    SAN DIEGO, CA — March XX, 2024 — For 15 years, you’ve been able […]

Afternoon Brief, March 1st

Federal Government to Spend $177 Million to Help Canadian Wine Industry: The federal government announced a plan to help the Canadian wine sector Friday during a visit to Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards in Wolfville, N.S...

Afternoon Brief, November 21st

Angry French Winemakers Plan Mass Protest in Narbonne: Tension has been running high in southern France and winemakers are planning a major protest in Narbonne later this month over a crisis facing the industry...

Afternoon Brief, November 20th

Extreme Weather and Falling Demand Are Pushing Wineries into the Red: High input costs and declining consumption are adding to the woes of small, independent wineries...

Big Hammer Wines Announces an Inaugural Holiday Warehouse Tasting and Sale Event on Dec. 2, 2023 Featuring Legendary San Diego DJ Chris Cantore

November 20 – Ahead of the holidays, the Big Hammer Wines team is very excited to announce an inaugural warehouse sale event, to be held on Dec. 2, 2023 from […]